A coastal city on Fiji's Viti Levu island, with a population of 180,000. Known for its rainforest surroundings, beaches, and multicultural atmosphere.
Suva, Fiji's capital, sits on the southeast coast of Viti Levu island. As the largest urban center in the South Pacific outside of Australia and New Zealand, it's home to people from various cultural backgrounds. You can explore the Fiji Museum, stroll through Thurston Gardens, or shop at the Municipal Market. Suva's tropical climate and colonial architecture create a unique atmosphere in this island city.
Location and Climate
Suva occupies a peninsula between Laucala Bay and Suva Harbour on Viti Levu's southeast coast. The city has a tropical rainforest climate with steady temperatures year-round, typically 28°C during the day and 22°C at night. Rainfall is frequent, with an average of 3,000 mm annually, making Suva one of the wettest cities worldwide.
Cultural Tapestry
Suva's population includes indigenous Fijians, Indo-Fijians, Chinese, Europeans, and other Pacific Islander communities. You'll hear English, Fijian, and Hindi spoken throughout the city. In Suva, you'll experience an urban environment where traditional Fijian customs coexist with modern city life.
Exploring Suva
Fiji Museum
The Fiji Museum, located in Thurston Gardens, houses the country's largest collection of cultural and archaeological items. You'll find exhibits dating back 3,700 years, including war clubs, cannibal forks, and the rudder from HMS Bounty. The museum covers Fiji's colonial era and indigenous culture.
Thurston Gardens
Next to the museum, Thurston Gardens provides a green space within the city. Established in 1913, these botanical gardens display flora from across the South Pacific. You can walk along tree-lined paths, see the clock tower, and relax on the lawns.
Municipal Market
To experience local life, head to the Municipal Market near the main wharf. The market is particularly active on Fridays and Saturdays. You'll discover a variety of tropical fruits, vegetables, spices, and kava roots. Here, you can taste local produce and chat with the vendors.
Culinary Scene
Suva's restaurants reflect its multicultural population. You'll find eateries serving Fijian, Indian, Chinese, and international dishes. Local specialties include kokoda (raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime), duruka (Fijian asparagus), and nama (a type of seaweed). For an unusual dining setting, try Tiko's Floating Restaurant, located in a converted ship in the harbor.
Nature Escapes
Colo-i-Suva Forest Park
A 15-minute drive from the city center takes you to Colo-i-Suva Forest Park. This 2.5-square-kilometer rainforest area has walking trails, natural swimming pools, and small waterfalls. As you explore the dense vegetation, you might spot colorful birds, including barking pigeons and scarlet robins.
Getting Around
Suva has a network of buses and taxis for public transport. You'll find the main bus station next to the Municipal Market. Taxis are numerous and affordable for short trips within the city. If you plan to explore beyond Suva, you might consider renting a car or joining organized tours.
Events and Festivals
The Hibiscus Festival, held each August, is Suva's largest event. This week-long carnival includes parades, music performances, and the Miss Hibiscus competition. Other significant events are the Diwali celebrations in October/November and the Fiji International Jazz & Blues Festival in May.
